who we are
Besides Nature Lovers
Susan and Jon Cross are passionate advocates of connecting with nature to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood. They’re on a mission to help others experience firsthand the healing power and grounding of nature through writing and speaking and their front-line preservation activities in the rare habitat where they live, The Oak Openings Region in Ohio.
They also help people see the world in powerful new ways via their alter egos. Susan is a published author and a public relations expert. Jon is a highly regarded Oak Openings Region nature conservationist and an information technology leader.
where we live
The Oak Openings Region in Ohio
Home to more rare species than any other place in Ohio, The Nature Conservancy has called the Oak Openings one of America’s Last Great Places. The Oak Openings Region is a tract of land a little larger than the state of Rhode Island between Toledo, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan, that was formed by ancient glaciers.
Read More about the science of "The Oaks"
our property
And the Story Behind it
We’ve restored our 20 acres in the Oak Openings Region to its native state which means that we’ve eliminated the invasive plants to make way for the rare native plants to regenerate. What surprised us the most was that we didn’t have to plant many seeds. We just had to disrupt the wrong environment and give what’s supposed to be there a chance to thrive. We think of our property as a Zen environment – or Zenvironment for short. A Zenvironment is an intentional space that nurtures restoration for nature and for people.
our mission
Why We Think Nature Matters
Our mission is to help others experience firsthand the healing power and grounding of nature. We’re passionate advocates who restore, conserve and connect with nature. We believe time spent in nature reduces stress and anxiety and improves mood. It's a soul-filling experience that allows us to be more present within ourselves and with the wider world.
our zenvironment in pictures
Rare Habitats
We Have Several on Our Property
The reason the Oak Openings is so special is diversity. There are unique plant communities that are literally feet apart from each other. Dry dunes can be within 20 feet of a wet prairie area.
unique plants and animals
A Third of Ohio's Rare Species are in the Oak Openings Region
The Oak Openings Region contains one third of all rare species in the state of Ohio. Through our property restoration efforts we have seen species reestablish themselves on our property. Some are not know to grow anywhere else in NW Ohio.
creating our zenvironment
our oak openings
A Story Within a Story
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recipe for restoration
For Both Nature and Your Soul
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habitat management
Property Rstoration
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frequently asked questions
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Get Involved
Resources
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Reading
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Privacy Policy
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